Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Abstract

Trading Places: What the Research Participant Can Tell the Investigator about Informed Consent

Ann Freeman Cook and Helena Hoas

The issues discussed in this article emerged from a study that explored the decision-making processes used by research participants when deciding to participate in human subjects’ research. We discuss the current research and regulatory environment and its influences on participant decision-making. The results of this study create a framework for understanding the challenges of the current informed consent process and offers insights into what may be needed to create an environment that allows research participants to make more enlightened decisions.